Golfest returns to Tampa Bay Downs

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida -- Let's face it; golf is difficult. To play at a championship level, it's nearly impossible for the average player. But, never fear. There is hope in Oldsmar this weekend.

The Tampa Bay Downs golf practice facility is hosting Golfest for the third consecutive year. It's a chance for players to test out new equipment from major golf companies like Nike, Cobra, Titleist, Taylor Made, and more.

The new clubs are helping players fine-tune their swings. All of the new 2013 models are on display, and you can even try out a few outside the box golfing gadgets.

Steve McDonald had a large crowd around him at the practice putting green. He was demonstrating how to use the Juan Putt putter. It's a new idea in putting that requires the player to stand alongside the ball at impact. The stance provides you a straight line of sight to the hole.

"If you were going to shoot a free throw (in basketball), you'd face the target. If you were going to shoot pool, you'd face the target. If you were going to draw a bow and arrow, you'd face the target," he said. "It's just a system to putt better, hole more putts and have more fun."

The crowds got to meet 5-time LPGA winner and Seminole native Brittany Lincicome on the driving range, and watch some of the top junior players in the world put on a clinic with the 2012 North Florida PGA Coach of the Year Matt Mitchell.

Golfest continues on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $10. Children 16-and-under are admitted for free. For more information, call (813) 854-4946. Raffles and demonstrations are free.